JSU's Jenkins honored for breakout performance in win

Every two weeks The Birmingham News will bring you updates on the
performances of some of the area's former high school athletes now competing on
the collegiate level. Email dgrabarczyk@al.com if you know of other area athletes to
highlight.

FOOTBALL

Former Parker quarterback Eli Jenkins was named the Ohio Valley Conference's Newcomer of the Week for his efforts in Jacksonville State's 48-13 win over Jacksonville University. Jenkins rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. (special to al.com)

Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State (Parker) -- Jenkins, a redshirt freshman quarterback, saw his first significant playing time of the season in the Gamecocks' 48-13 win over visiting Jacksonville University. Jenkins entered the game in the second quarter and finished with 128 rushing yards on 15 carries and scored on a 9-yard run in the third quarter. He also completed 2 of 6 passes for 12 yards with an interception.

For his efforts Jenkins, an honorable mention on the 2011 Birmingham News All-West football team, was named the Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week.

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska (Homewood) -- The junior broke the
100-yard mark for the second week in a row, rushing for 117 yards and scoring
on runs of 3 and 37 yards in the Huskers' 56-13 win over Southern Miss. For the
season Abdullah has rushed 36 times for 228 yards and two scores. He has also
caught five passes for 19 yards.

Jake Ganus, UAB (Chelsea) -- The
linebacker has started his sophomore season well. He posed five assisted
tackles in the Blazers 56-17 loss at LSU. Ganus leads the team in tackles with 16,
including a team best 11 solo tackles.

Christion Jones, Alabama (Minor) -- Even though the Tide had
a week off, Jones is still the talk of Tuscaloosa. In Alabama's 35-10 win over
Virginia Tech on August 30, the junior scored on a 72-yard punt return, a
94-yard kickoff return and a 38-yard touchdown reception. He finished with 256
all-purpose yards against the Hokies.

Jamarcus Nelson, UAB (Midfield) -- Nelson caught three
passes for 42 yards, including a 41-yard scoring reception in the second
quarter. The junior currently leads the Blazers in receptions (13) and yards
(241) and has three scores.

Wes Saxton, South Alabama (Hueytown) -- Saxon helped the Jags
end a seven game losing streak dating back to last season with the 41-39 road
victory against Tulane. The junior tight end had seven catches for 92 yards.

Justin Shade, Samford (Briarwood Christian) -- Shade, a senior
linebacker, was just as active on the defensive side as Truss was for the offense.
He finished with 10 tackles (four solo, six assists), and is second on the team
in tackles with 16 (six solos, 10 assists).

Dallas Tidwell, Troy (Gardendale) -- The sophomore
quarterback may not have thrown many passes in the Troy's 66-7 win over Savannah
State, but he made the most of them. Tidwell completed 6 of 7 passes for 64
yards and two touchdowns.

Fabian Truss, Samford (Shades Valley) -- The senior running back
was a big reason why the Bulldogs put a scare in Arkansas. Truss ran for 103
yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in the Bulldogs' 31-21 loss at Arkansas.
For the season he has 42 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Blake Burks, Jacksonville State (Hoover): The offensive lineman started each of the first two games,
helping the Gamecocks to wins against Alabama State and Jacksonville
University. The Gamecocks ran for 523 yards behind Burks and line mates against
Jacksonville.

VOLLEYBALL

Lauren Bedford, Birmingham-Southern
(Hewitt-Trussville) -- As a defensive
specialist/libero, the sophomore leads the Panthers (4-0) with 118 digs through
four matches.

Whitney Billings,
Kentucky (Pelham) -- Outside
hitter Billings, a senior, leads the Wildcats (1-3) with 49 kills and 33 digs
through the first three matches of the season.

Krystal Rivers, Alabama (Ramsay) -- The redshirt freshman has started the
season strong for the Crimson Tide (4-2). Rivers, a middle blocker, is second
on the team in kills with 75 through six matches, and leads the team with 17
blocks and 90 points.

Sam Skinner, UAB (Oak Mountain) -- Through five matches (4-1) the sophomore
leads the Blazers in kills with 65 through and is third on the team in digs
with 32.